At the 2025 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), WeWalk launched the Smart Cane 2, a smart cane designed specifically for visually impaired individuals. This redesigned cane addresses many shortcomings of the previous generation and incorporates artificial intelligence features along with advanced sensor technology from TDK, making it an ideal alternative to traditional folding white canes. WeWalk's co-founder, Kursat Ceylan, personally demonstrated the product, stating that Smart Cane 2 will make travel easier and safer for visually impaired people, offering features such as directional navigation, obstacle detection, and a GPT-powered voice assistant, all without the need to use a smartphone simultaneously.
Improved Design and Enhanced User Experience
Compared to the previous generation, the handle of the WeWalk Smart Cane 2 is more elongated and comfortable, weighing close to that of a standard white cane, making it easier to hold for extended periods. The cane is equipped with tactile buttons that simplify operation, removing the complex touchpad from the previous model that some users found difficult to use. Ceylan noted that the new cane is adaptable to various weather conditions, including normal operation in the rain, with a battery life of up to 20 hours, making it convenient for daily use.
Additionally, the WeWalk Smart Cane 2 is equipped with a speaker, microphone, obstacle detection technology, and a flashlight, helping visually impaired individuals travel more safely at night. The cane also features built-in motion sensors for a more accurate navigation experience.
Advanced Sensors for Accurate Feedback
The WeWalk Smart Cane 2 is equipped with ultrasonic time-of-flight sensors, a six-axis motion-tracking inertial measurement unit, pulse density modulation microphones, and a barometric sensor from electronics company TDK. These high-tech sensors allow the cane to alert users through tactile and audio feedback when obstacles are detected ahead, helping them avoid collisions.
Ceylan demonstrated this feature live at CES, successfully alerting him to nearby obstacles in the noisy exhibition environment, allowing him to avoid them promptly thanks to the precise feedback. During the demonstration, he also connected the cane to headphones via Bluetooth for more convenient navigation and information relay.
Smart Features and Smartphone Pairing
The WeWalk Smart Cane 2 can pair with smartphones to provide detailed information about the surrounding environment and navigation instructions for public transport. Ceylan explained that the cane can inform users about nearby shops and restaurants, and even if they cannot understand menu items, they can ask staff for more information about products. Unlike traditional canes, the WeWalk Smart Cane 2 allows visually impaired individuals to access all information directly through the cane without needing to carry a smartphone at all times.
Although the cane offers a smartphone interface as an option, Ceylan emphasized that the design enables visually impaired individuals to move more freely without relying on their phones, achieving true independence in travel.
Pricing and Release of the New Cane
The WeWalk Smart Cane 2 is now available for pre-order, with the first batch expected to ship by the end of this month. The product has two pricing models: the smart cane is priced at $850, with a monthly voice assistant subscription fee of $4.99, or a total price of $1150 that includes all AI features without additional subscription fees.
Additionally, WeWalk has partnered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) to launch a cane training program in February, helping trainers collect usage data to ensure visually impaired individuals can fully utilize this new tool.
Conclusion
The release of the WeWalk Smart Cane 2 undoubtedly provides visually impaired individuals with a smarter and safer travel option. With its innovative design, advanced sensor technology, and artificial intelligence features, this product not only enhances the convenience of travel for visually impaired people but also offers them more possibilities for independent living. As smart technology continues to advance, WeWalk's innovative initiative positively contributes to improving the quality of life for the global visually impaired community.
Official website: https://wewalk.io/en/
